A STATISTICAL REVIEW OF AVIATION AIRFRAME ICING ACCIDENTS

Abstract

For years, airframe icing has been recognized as a significant aviation hazard. An occurrence is defined as an accident when the operation of an aircraft, with the intent of flight, results in substantial damage to the aircraft or death or serious injury to any person. In contrast, an incident is an occurrence that influences the safety of an aircraft operation. The NTSB database was used to identify accidents in which airframe icing was either a cause or factor during the 19-year period from 1982-2000, with a factor defined as any condition or situation that played a role in the cause of the accident.